Rehabbed Sea Turtle Released in East Hampton

A rehabilitated sea turtle released last Saturday at in East Hampton is heading towards New York City, according to the satellite tracking device attached to it.

A male juvenile Atlantic green sea turtle was released by the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, according to Julia Wocial, a biologist and the rescue program supervisor. It was rescued last November in New Jersey by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and was exhibiting signs of "cold-stunning," or hypothermia. It was transported to the Riverhead Foundation on Nov. 8, 2010.

The turtle, named Michael, was adopted by the Andrew Sabin Family Foundation, based in East Hampton, and members of the Sabin family were on hand for the release at Main Beach.

"Andrew Sabin Family Foundation has been supporting the Riverhead Foundation's efforts, or rescuing and releasing marine mammals and sea turtles by sponsoring rehabilitation and release of numerous seals and sea turtles every year, " she said.

Satellite transmitters affixed to the turtle will allow the foundation to track his post-release movements in the wild, Wocial said. In fact, even interest folks at home can track Michael's movements on the foundation's website.

As of Friday, Michael was heading west towards New York City.

Next up for the Riverhead Foundation is the release of a juvenile gray seal named Wally under the Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays on Tuesday at 5 p.m.